Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/161

Rh ledge of his father; to the effect that within seven nights hence shall (the snake) Takshaka be thy death. And Shamika repeatedly asked his son to save thee, but there is none to falsify his son's curse. And because he hath been unable to pacify his son possessed with anger, therefore have I been sent to thee, O king, for thy good.'

"And that king of the Kuru race, himself engaged in ascetic practices, having heard these cruel words and recollecting his own sinful act, became exceedingly sorry. And the king, learning that foremost of Rishis in the forest had been observing the vow of silence, was doubly afflicted with sorrow. And learning the kindness of the Rishi Shamika, and his own sinful act towards him, the king became very repentant. And the king looking like a very god, did not grieve so much for hearing of his death as for having done that act to the Rishi.

"And then the king sent away Gaurmukha, saying, 'Let the worshipful one (Shamika) be gracious to me.' And when Gaurmukha had gone away, the king, in great anxiety, without loss of time, consulted with his ministers. And having consulted with his ministers, the king, wise in counsels himself, caused a mansion to be erected upon one solitary column. And it was well-guarded day and night. And for its protection were placed there physicians and medicines and Brahmanas skilled in mantras, all around. And the monarch, protected on all sides, discharged his kingly duties from that place surrounded by his virtuous ministers. And no one could approach that best of kings there. The air even could not go there, being prevented from entering.

"And when the seventh day had arrived, that best of Brahmanas, the learned Kasyapa, was coming (towards the king's residence) desirous of treating the king (after the snake-bite.) He had heard all that had taken place, viz., that Takshaka, that first of snakes, would send that best of monarchs to the vicinage of Yama. And he thought, 'I would cure the monarch after he is bit by the first of snakes. By that I may have wealth and may acquire virtue also.' But that prince of snakes, Takshaka, in the form of an old Brahmana, saw Kasyapa approaching on his way, his heart set upon curing the king. And the prince of snakes then spake unto that bull amongst